Picrorhiza Kurroa (Kutki) Benefits and Side Effects

Liver plays several functions in the human body. From digestion to blood filtering to detoxification, it has a role in almost every metabolic process. Naturally, any damage to liver would affect all the major organs of the body and also lead to the accumulation of toxins and harmful chemicals in blood. Liver dysfunction manifests itself in the form of various liver diseases. As a hepatoprotective, kutki is an excellent remedy for improving liver function. Traditionally, kutki roots are used to treat jaundice. Animal-based indicate that regular administration of kutki can reduce hepatitis. In a clinical study, 375 mg of kutki root powder, when given thrice day for a period of 2 weeks was found to reduce bilirubin and revert liver damage.

Picrorhiza, reduces the amount of fats stored in liver and reduces fatty liver disease as evidenced by preclinical studies. According to a study published in the Journal of Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, picroliv is the active hepatoprotective component of Picrorhiza plant. In preclinical studies, its action has been found to be comparable to that of the well-known drug silymarin. Administration of kutki has further been demonstrated to protect the liver against hypoxia damage (damage due to reoxygenation of liver tissue) and chronic liver injuries and liver fibrosis since it contains compounds like vanillic acid.

(Read more: Liver disease types)

Inflammation is the natural response of your body against infection or injury. It is marked by redness, pain, and swelling at the affected area. However, long-term or chronic inflammation may do more harm than good leading to diseases such as diabetes and heart problems. In fact, plant-based drugs act by inhibiting or reducing inflammatory reactions in the body. Lab-based studies indicate that savinin present in Picrorhiza effectively inhibits the production of TNF-alpha, an inflammatory molecule. In further studies, a series of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant molecules have been isolated and identified in the heartwood of kutki plant. These include pterolinus K and pterolinus L, both these compounds inhibit neutrophil activity which is another factor responsible for inflammation. Both topical gel and an oral formulation of Picrorhiza exhibit potent anti-inflammatory activity as demonstrated by animal-based studies. The topical gel also showed a mild analgesic effect (pain-relieving).

(Read more: Inflammatory disease treatment)

Traditionally kutki is known for curing stomach conditions like stomach pain. Taking 10 gram of kutki root along with some honey is believed to treat stomach ache. In Chinese medicine, this herb is used as a remedy for diarrhoea, piles and fistula among other stomach conditions. About 6-10 g of the herb is administered in various forms to cure any of these conditions. In vivo (animal-based) studies suggest that kutki root is indeed very effective in reducing gastric ulcers and reversing damage to the stomach lining due to its antioxidant properties and by inhibiting excess acid secretion. Though there is no clinical trial to confirm the same, the Ayurvedic and traditional claims can’t be denied completely.

Picrorhiza protects you from heart attack and stroke as it inhibits the accumulation and production of harmful fats in the body. As an antioxidant, it acts against lipid peroxidation thus reducing the risk of arterial plaques and atherosclerosis. Pterostilbene is claimed to be the compound responsible for the hypolipidemic and antioxidant action of kutki plant.

Kutki not only protects your blood vessels from plaque formation but also it aids in angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels and keeps your circulatory system healthy.

(Read more: Heart disease types)

• Kutki is traditionally used for the treatment of diabetes and preclinical studies have confirmed the hypoglycemic effect (reduces blood sugar) of kutki by changes in insulin sensitivity and sugar metabolism in body.
• Kutki has been found to possess strong antimicrobial potential against a wide range of pathogenic bacteria including Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. It also inhibits the growth of the peptic ulcer bacteria Helicobacter pylori.
• In traditional Indian system, kutki is used for the treatment for various conditions like dysentery, eye diseases, and as an aphrodisiac.
• For the treatment of fevers in adults, about 10 g of kutki is administered along with1 g of honey.
• Kutki extracts have shown inhibitory action against parasites such as Leishmania and Plasmodium, which cause leishmaniasis and malaria respectively.